Fishguard, February, 1797: HMS Britannia anchors off the Pembrokeshire coast in the dying days of winter. Two armed companies of soldiers row ashore, led by the charismatic American, Colonel William Tate. They are met by the local Welsh Volunteer regiment who, unlike the suspicious locals, have been expecting them. But one man has been secretly shadowing a small flotilla bound for the same destination. Major Lorn Mullone, a shrewd Irishman employed by the British government, considers that their arrival is more than fortuitous. Is this just a mere coincidence or perhaps a ruse de guerre? Mullone has to uncover the truth and, with every step of the way, he must tread carefully if he is to survive.